| HTMLPDF | 196-16-006 | Declaration and purpose. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-007 | PLS licensure application forms for all applicants. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-010 | Experience. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-020 | Examinations. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-035 | Retired status. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-045 | Inactive status. |
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-100 | Purpose. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-105 | Continuing professional development definitions. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-110 | Continuing professional development requirements. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-115 | Qualifying activities. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-120 | Units. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-125 | Activities that do not qualify for PDH credits. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-130 | Determination of PDH credit. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-135 | PDH recordkeeping and audits. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-140 | Noncompliance with continuing professional development. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-145 | Exemptions. |
| HTMLPDF | 196-16-150 | Waivers. |
Disposition of sections formerly codified in this title
| 196-16-005 | Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), § 196-16-005, filed 12/18/81; Rule III (part), filed 11/15/65; Rule III (part), filed 8/4/64.] Repealed by WSR 96-11-086, filed 5/14/96, effective 7/1/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
| 196-16-030 | Reports. [Rule IIC, filed 12/26/62.] Decodified as omitted from comprehensive refiling of rules dated 11/15/65 and 8/4/64. |
| 196-16-031 | Comity—Registration of applicants qualified in other jurisdictions. [Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.43 and 18.235 RCW. WSR 04-04-001, § 196-16-031, filed 1/21/04, effective 2/21/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 96-11-086, § 196-16-031, filed 5/14/96, effective 7/1/96; WSR 93-01-081, § 196-16-031, filed 12/15/92, effective 1/15/93; WSR 91-23-111, § 196-16-031, filed 11/20/91, effective 12/21/91; WSR 89-05-021 (Order PM 820), § 196-16-031, filed 2/10/89; WSR 84-04-027 (Order PL 454), § 196-16-031, filed 1/25/84; WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), § 196-16-031, filed 12/18/81; Order PL-115, § 196-16-031, filed 11/24/71.] Repealed by WSR 26-14-075, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
| 196-16-040 | Evaluation of candidates for land surveyor licenses. [Rule IID, filed 12/26/62.] Decodified as omitted from comprehensive refiling of rules dated 11/15/65 and 8/4/64. See WAC 196-16-010 and 196-16-020. |
| 196-16-050 | Fees. [Order PL 224, § 196-16-050, filed 11/5/75; Order PL 181, § 196-16-050, filed 1/28/75; Rule IIID, filed 11/15/65; Rule IIID, filed 8/4/64; Rule IIE, filed 12/26/62.] Repealed by WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), filed 12/18/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
| 196-16-055 | Renewal of licenses. [Order PL 224, § 196-16-055, filed 11/5/75; Order PL 181, § 196-16-055, filed 1/28/75; Order PL 176, § 196-16-055, filed 10/15/74.] Repealed by WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), filed 12/18/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
| 196-16-060 | Correspondence. [Order PL-115, § 196-16-060, filed 11/24/71.] Repealed by Order PL 181, filed 1/28/75. |
| 196-16-155 | Inactive license status. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-155, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.] Repealed by WSR 26-14-075, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
| 196-16-160 | Comity/out-of-jurisdiction resident. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-160, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.] Repealed by WSR 26-14-075, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. |
PDF196-16-006
Declaration and purpose.
This chapter contains rules and procedures for applications, eligibility, and examinations to become licensed as a professional land surveyor.
PDF196-16-007
PLS licensure application forms for all applicants.
To become licensed as a professional land surveyor in the state of Washington, whether you are applying for an initial license or possess a license in another jurisdiction, you must meet the requirements for experience and examinations described in this chapter.
(1) The board has a single application form that must be used by all applicants seeking PLS licensure in the state of Washington. Applications and applicable fees must be received by the date posted on the board's website.
(2) All applicants must provide information on the application form and provide supporting documentation that demonstrates they meet all requirements for licensure as detailed in this chapter and RCW 18.43.040.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-007, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.43 and 18.235 RCW. WSR 04-04-001, § 196-16-007, filed 1/21/04, effective 2/21/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 96-11-086, § 196-16-007, filed 5/14/96, effective 7/1/96; WSR 89-05-021 (Order PM 820), § 196-16-007, filed 2/10/89; WSR 88-12-044 (Order PM 738), § 196-16-007, filed 5/27/88; WSR 87-13-005 (Order PM 606), § 196-16-007, filed 6/4/87; WSR 84-04-027 (Order PL 454), § 196-16-007, filed 1/25/84; WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), § 196-16-007, filed 12/18/81; Order PL 224, § 196-16-007, filed 11/5/75; Order PL-129, § 196-16-007, filed 7/27/72; Order PL-115, § 196-16-007, filed 11/24/71; Rule IIIA, filed 11/15/65; Rule IIIA, filed 8/4/64.]
PDF196-16-010
Experience.
The law requires eight years of experience in land surveying work of a character satisfactory to the board. The eight years may be a combination of education and practical work experience. The following criteria will be used in evaluating an applicant's experience.
(1) Work experience. Work experience will be based on a demonstration of broad based, progressive field, and office experience in surveying work under the direct supervision of a licensed professional land surveyor.
(a) Under the direct supervision of a professional land surveyor, the applicant must be in a position of making independent judgments and decisions in the following experience areas:
(i) Applying state, federal, and case law;
(ii) Exercising sound judgment when making independent decisions regarding complex boundary, topographic, horizontal and vertical, and mapping issues;
(iii) Field identification and evaluation of boundary evidence, including monumentation, and the ability to use that evidence for boundary determination;
(iv) Conducting research;
(v) Preparing and analyzing complex property descriptions; and
(vi) Interacting with clients and the public in conformance with chapter 196-27A WAC.
(b) Land surveying teaching at the college level may be considered satisfactory experience up to a maximum of two years at the discretion of the board.
(2) Education as experience. Education may be counted towards a portion of the eight years of required experience. All transcripts must be official and uploaded to the applicant's NCEES profile for verification by NCEES. Education may be approved as experience based on the following:
(a) A baccalaureate degree in land surveying in a program accredited by the accreditation board for engineering and technology (ABET) is equivalent to four years of required experience. Satisfactory completion of each year of such an approved program is equivalent to one year of experience.
(b) An associate degree in land surveying from an approved program may be equivalent to two years of experience.
(c) Experience may be granted for postgraduate land surveying courses, at the discretion of the board.
(d) Any other education will be taken into account and evaluated on its merits by the board.
(e) At the discretion of the board, work experience gained while enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate land surveying program may be considered satisfactory experience if it otherwise meets the requirements for work experience listed herein. No more than one year of experience will be granted for one calendar year.
(3) A registered professional engineer who applies to become registered as a professional land surveyor must meet the requirements stated within this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-010, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.43 and 18.235 RCW. WSR 04-04-001, § 196-16-010, filed 1/21/04, effective 2/21/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 96-11-086, § 196-16-010, filed 5/14/96, effective 7/1/96; WSR 87-13-005 (Order PM 606), § 196-16-010, filed 6/4/87; WSR 84-04-027 (Order PL 454), § 196-16-010, filed 1/25/84; WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), § 196-16-010, filed 12/18/81; Order PL-115, § 196-16-010, filed 11/24/71; Rule IIIB, filed 11/15/65; Rule IIIB, filed 8/4/64; Rule IIA, filed 12/26/62.]
PDF196-16-020
Examinations.
To become licensed as a professional land surveyor, the applicant must pass the following examinations:
(1) The national council of examiners for engineering and surveying (NCEES) fundamentals-of-land surveying (FS) examination.
(2) The principles and practice of land surveying examination.
(3) The Washington state land surveying examination. The Washington state land surveying examination is administered by the board and covers land surveying issues important in Washington state.
(4) The Washington land surveyor law review examination.
If an applicant fails the Washington state land surveying examination or does not appear, they must submit the reexam application and applicable fee by the date posted on the board's website.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-020, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.43 and 18.235 RCW. WSR 04-04-001, § 196-16-020, filed 1/21/04, effective 2/21/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 96-11-086, § 196-16-020, filed 5/14/96, effective 7/1/96; WSR 93-01-081, § 196-16-020, filed 12/15/92, effective 1/15/93; WSR 89-05-021 (Order PM 820), § 196-16-020, filed 2/10/89; WSR 84-04-027 (Order PL 454), § 196-16-020, filed 1/25/84; WSR 82-01-064 (Order 81-10), § 196-16-020, filed 12/18/81; Order PL-121, § 196-16-020, filed 5/3/72; Order PL-115, § 196-16-020, filed 11/24/71; Rule IIIC, filed 11/15/65; Rule IIIC, filed 8/4/64; Rules IIB and IID (part), filed 12/26/62.]
PDF196-16-035
Retired status.
A professional land surveyor, having reached at least the age of 65 and having discontinued active practice as a land surveyor, may be eligible for retired status.
(1) Request for retired status. Upon approval of a request, the retired status becomes effective on the date provided by the licensee on the application, or when the licensee reaches the age of 65. The board will not provide refund of renewal fees if the application for "retired" status is made and granted before the date of expiration of the certificate of registration.
(2) A licensee on retired status may:
(a) Retain the board issued wall certificate of registration;
(b) Use the title professional land surveyor (PLS), provided that it is supplemented by the term retired, or the abbreviation "ret";
(c) Work as a land surveyor in a volunteer capacity, provided that the retired registrant does not create a land surveying document, and does not use their seal, except as provided for in (d) of this subsection;
(d) Provide experience verifications and references for persons seeking registration;
(e) Serve in an instructional capacity on land surveying topics;
(f) Provide services as a technical expert before a court, or in preparation for pending litigation, on matters directly related to land surveying work performed by the licensee;
(g) Serve in a function that supports the principles of registration and/or promotes the profession of land surveying, such as members of commissions, boards or committees;
(h) A professional land surveyor in retired status is not required to complete continuing professional development as provided in WAC 196-16-110. However, if a retired status land surveyor wishes to return to active status, the licensee will need to complete an additional 15 PDH during their first year of reactivated practice.
(3) A licensee on retired status must not:
(a) Perform any land surveying activity, as provided for in RCW 18.43.020, unless said activity is under the direct supervision of a licensed professional land surveyor with an active registration in Washington;
(b) Act as the designated land surveyor or land surveyor in responsible charge for a Washington land surveying corporation or Washington land surveying limited liability company;
(c) Apply their professional land surveyors seal, as provided for in RCW 18.43.070, to any plan, specification, plat or report, except as provided for in subsection (2)(d) of this section.
(4) Certificate of registration reinstatement. A retired licensee may resume active land surveying practice with payment of the current renewal fee.
(5) Exemptions. A licensee is not eligible for a retired registration if their license to practice is under board ordered sanction. This exemption exists until the sanctions have been lifted or satisfied by the board.
PDF196-16-045
Inactive status.
(1) A professional land surveyor holding a license in good standing may apply to change their license to inactive status. Upon approval by the board, the inactive status becomes effective on the date provided by the licensee on the application.
(2) A licensee whose license is inactive may not:
(a) Perform any land surveying activity, as provided for in RCW 18.43.020, unless the activity is under the direct supervision of a licensed professional land surveyor with an active registration in Washington;
(b) Act as the designated land surveyor for a corporation or limited liability company;
(c) Apply their professional land surveyor's seal to any documents.
(3) A professional land surveyor with an inactive license is not required to complete continuing professional development as provided in WAC 196-16-110.
(4) To return to active status, the licensee must:
(a) Submit an application for renewal of license;
(b) Pay the full renewal fee for the renewal cycle from the license activation date to the licensee's second birth date (renewal date);
(c) Complete an additional 15 PDH during the first year of reactivated practice, totaling a minimum of 45 PDH during the reactivated two-year renewal cycle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-045, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26.]
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS
PDF196-16-100
Purpose.
The purpose of requiring continuing professional development training hours (PDH) is to encourage professionals licensed in the state of Washington to maintain competency in their practice. To maintain a Washington license, all licensees must meet the requirements of this chapter as a condition of continued licensure.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-100, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-100, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-105
Continuing professional development definitions.
Terms used in this section are defined as follows:
(1) Professional development hour (PDH) - The time engaged in a qualifying activity.
(2) College/unit semester/unit quarter - Completion of courses in college level curriculums satisfactory to the board.
(3) Qualifying activity - Any activity that is related to professional land surveying or will help the licensee maintain competency in their practice as a professional land surveyor.
(4) Year - That 12-month period between the anniversaries of the licensee's birth date.
(5) Renewal cycle - Typically the period of two years beginning on the licensee's birth date, except upon initial licensure when it begins on the initial license date and runs until the licensee's second birth date following licensure.
(6) Renewal date - The licensee's birth date when the renewal period ends and the license expires if not renewed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-105, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-105, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-110
Continuing professional development requirements.
(1) To be eligible for renewal, all licensed professional land surveyors must have completed 30 continuing professional development hours (PDH) during the prior two-year renewal cycle. All renewals for licensure as a professional land surveyor are subject to audit by the board.
(2) If the licensee's initial renewal period is less than two years, the licensee must have completed 15 PDH for that first renewal cycle.
(3) If a licensee exceeds the PDH requirements in any renewal cycle, a maximum of 5 PDH units may be carried forward and accumulated into the subsequent renewal cycle.
(4) Failure to complete the required PDH requirements during a prior renewal cycle may result in license denial or license suspension, pending completion of those PDH requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-110, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 18-22-075, § 196-16-110, filed 11/2/18, effective 12/3/18; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-110, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-115
Qualifying activities.
The board believes that individuals licensed as professional land surveyors should have the discretion to make independent choices on what activities help them to be improved practitioners. While the board will not provide advance approvals for selected activities or vendors they do expect licensees to seek out qualifying activities that can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board that they are relevant to the licensee's continuing professional development.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-115, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-120
Units.
Qualifying activities will accrue PDH as follows:
1. College hours: | |
a. Completion of 1 college semester hour | 45 PDH |
b. Completion of 1 college quarter hour | 30 PDH |
2. For publication or presentation of each: | |
a. Authored technical paper or article | 10 PDH |
b. Authored book | 30 PDH |
3. For each hour of attendance at professional or technical society meetings with an informational program. (Not to exceed 10 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
4. For each hour of attendance at board meetings or committee meetings of the board. (Not to exceed 10 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
5. For each hour of preparation and subsequent presentation (*) of a professional development program at seminars, professional/technical meetings, conventions or conferences. (Not to exceed 10 PDH/year) (*) This credit does not apply to full-time faculty | 1 PDH |
6. For each hour of participation in committees of organizations whose purpose is to develop codes, standards, examinations and regulations. (Not to exceed 10 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
7. For each hour of participation in an activity involving substantial and organized peer interaction, excluding time spent during regular employment. (Not to exceed 5 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
8. For each hour of participation in organized courses, including employer provided courses, on technical or management skills. (Not to exceed 5 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
9. For each hour of participation in sessions, or courses sponsored by technical or professional societies, or government boards. | 1 PDH |
10. Each hour of self-study. (Not to exceed 5 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
2 PDH | |
12. Completion of CFedS program. | 30 PDH |
13. For each hour of participation in organized first aid, safety, and security training. (Not to exceed 5 PDH/year) | 1 PDH |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-120, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 24-21-160, s 196-16-120, filed 10/23/24, effective 11/23/24; WSR 18-22-075, § 196-16-120, filed 11/2/18, effective 12/3/18; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-120, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-125
Activities that do not qualify for PDH credits.
The following are not considered qualifying activities:
(1) Taking courses, specialized instruction, or meeting performance criteria that were conditions of a board order.
(2) Attendance or testimony at legislative hearings.
(3) Attendance or testimony at city or county council meetings/hearings.
(4) Attendance or testimony at civil or criminal trials.
(5) Time spent fund raising for scholarships or lobbying for legislation.
(6) Attendance at gatherings that are primarily social in nature.
(7) Membership and/or attendance in service club meetings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-125, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-125, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-130
Determination of PDH credit.
The board is the final authority with respect to acceptance of claimed qualifying activities and the respective PDH credit. Qualifying activity becomes eligible for credit upon completion of the given activity.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-130, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-130, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-135
PDH recordkeeping and audits.
The licensee is responsible for maintaining records to be used to support credits claimed. Records should include date of activity, instructor's name, description of activity, number of contact hours, and location. The licensee is required to keep their records of continuing education covering the cumulative time in the current renewal period and the full two years of the prior renewal period.
All continuing professional development records and supporting documentation may be requested by the board at any time and must be furnished to the board within 10 days of the request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-135, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-135, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-140
Noncompliance with continuing professional development.
(1) A licensed land surveyor who fails to comply with the requirements of this chapter is subject to suspension of their license and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the board.
(2) If an audit disqualifies credits that were reported to the board by a licensee for the previous renewal period and results in the licensee failing to complete the PDH requirements, the board may deny a pending application to renew license or suspend an active license and require the PDH shortage to be made up prior to completing the pending renewal or lifting the suspension.
(3) A licensed land surveyor who, through the course of an audit, is found to have falsified continuing professional development documentation to the board is subject to license suspension and other disciplinary action by the board.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-140, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-140, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-145
Exemptions.
Individuals who are in "retired status" as provided in WAC 196-16-035 or have been approved for "inactive status" as provided in WAC 196-16-045 are exempt from the requirements of collecting continuing professional development hours.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-145, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-145, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]
PDF196-16-150
Waivers.
The board, at its discretion, may grant a waiver to the PDH requirement upon a showing of significant hardship that has interfered with the licensee's ability to practice their profession. A request for a waiver must be made in writing and clearly state the justification and include any necessary documentation required by the board. All waivers expire on the end date of license renewal cycle (renewal date) unless the board grants an extension.
The board may grant waivers for:
(1) Emergent illness or physical impairment or other extenuating circumstances that pose a personal hardship.
(2) Individuals who have been placed on active military duty for at least 120 days.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035. WSR 26-14-075, s 196-16-150, filed 6/29/26, effective 8/1/26; WSR 06-11-119, § 196-16-150, filed 5/19/06, effective 7/1/06.]